Selp-Help Resources

Achievement Unlocked!

"The stories resonated strongly with me and helped me to both acknowledge issues I was facing and helped me to work through them." - Mike Aryman

DO PROCRASTINATE!

Sometimes distraction techniques are useful. They can provide a form of escapism, alleviate stress, and allow your subconscious mind to continue working through a problem whilst you recharge your batteries.

However, for those who are very self-critical, this can lead to feeling unproductive – exacerbating things further. Remember, natural breaks are super important in all areas of work! Yours is no different.

Use this time as a valuable reward, a reset switch, and value it as necessary instead of thinking of it as a waste of time. Limit your “breaks” to 5-10 minutes and take them as often as you need. The frequency may increase toward the end of the day – this is okay.

Need some tips with what to procrastinate with? We have some great 5-15 minute activities to take your mind of things while you recharge.

PLAN YOUR DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENT

Many people live for years with a mental health issue, knowing they should see a doctor. But something holds them back.

Others struggle with feelings they don’t understand, and they don’t realise that a doctor can help them through that.

And most commonly – everyone on the planet goes through a rough patch at least once. Whether it’s a relationship ending, a job loss, bereavement or financial troubles – no one is immune. This isn’t a mental health diagnosis and you may not think you need a doctor for this, or you may even feel as though you would be wasting a doctor’s time. Your doctor is there to help you, and they will be glad to share with you amazing series of resources they have to offer that you may not even know exist. However, we know how hard stepping through that door will be, and when you struggle with mental wellness, you might be too anxious to visit a doctor for fear of being judged, not knowing what to say, or concern about what you might be told.

Here is what you might expect from your visit to the doctor, to help you prepare.

An idea of what you think might be happening

What you would like to get out of the appointment - advice? Medication? A referral to a specialist? Therapy? Psychological treatment? Support groups?

Relevent questions around how this relates to you and your life

If you are talking about medication - side-effects, how long it will take to work, interactions with your existing medications

Prognosis (what the doctor thinks will happen)

Help for friends or family members if necessary

Would it be good for you to take someone along with you?

When will you next see the doctor after this appointment.

Ask what to do if you feel like the current approach isn't working.

CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF

(Submitted by Anon)

“When you catch my brain spinning off on a spiral, ground yourself by focusing on immediate physical stimuli – your feet are on a carpet, describe the carpet, describe the texture of the painted wall to your left, describe the clothes you’re wearing…etc. You can't think about "nothing," but after a few minutes of focusing on that stuff, the spiral typically shuts down. Handy trick for when your brain is spinning off on what-ifs.”

A “stress-coach” once taught me this tip and it seems to work for me. When your mind is moving in a million different directions, try to visualise in a 3d space what kind of motion or shapes it is making, and trace these out with your hands. For me, it was a kind of spiral wheeling motion. When you’ve found it, do it backwards. Start as fast as your thoughts, and gradually slow down to a stop. Your thoughts may do the same.

WHEN TO TRY SOMETHING NEW

Sometimes it takes a few visits to the doctor to get what you wanted, or expected. This is completely normal. Don’t be discouraged! Keep going back until your needs are met. It does help if you plan what kind of outcome you were hoping for, and actually let your doctor know this. Then if they do something differently, they can explain why and hopefully reach a more desirable outcome for everyone.

Sometimes meeting one doctor isn’t enough. Remember, they’re people, which means they are human beings with personalities. Sometimes they just don’t click with you, and when you’re discussing something as intimate as your mental health, you want to make sure you have a good rapport. It’s absolutely okay, completely normal, and very common, to ask for a new doctor or even visit a different practice completely. Keep going until you find the right doctor. After all, it’s your health we’re talking about – not theirs. And your health is the most important thing.

About Pixel

Prescription Pixel is an initiative to provide a space for people who enjoy gaming to learn and talk about mental health.

We believe that video games can be therapeutic for mental wellness, and we support clinical research into this area. On the site you can find gaming and non-gaming based resources for all sorts of emotional and psychological experiences.

In addition, we acknowledge that online gaming addiction can be a serious condition. If you think you may be addicted to online gaming, you will find helpful resources here.

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A selection of quick and easily accessible ideas you can use at any time. The idea is to do at least one of them every day for two weeks, and see if you feel better. Give it a try - what do you have to lose?

About Prescription Pixel

An initiative to provide an interface between the worlds of video games and psychology. A safe space for gamers to explore mental health issues. An educational resource tailored to gamers and a place to go when you are feeling lost or alone. Help yourself, help others, and help us to teach the world that there is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of when it comes to mental health.

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Prescription Pixel is not recognised as an official therapy, drug prescription, clinically approved service or a means of accessing the same. It does not represent the views of any professional, body or health service. It is not a substitute for a mental health professional. If you have any concerns about your health, mental or otherwise, please see a doctor. Your submission data is secured by password and accessible only to Prescription Pixel.